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Kano commission of inquiry for political violence calls for submission of petitions
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
As the Commission of Inquiry for Political Violence and Missing Persons set up by the Kano State Government began its sitting on Monday, the commission has called for the submission of necessary petitions from individuals and groups to be investigated.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commission has equally assured the people of the state that it will ensure that sponsors and perpetrators of political and other forms of violence during and in between the 2015, 2019, and 2023 general elections are brought to justice.
The Chairperson of the Commission, Justice Zuwaira Yusuf, disclosed this during the inauguration held in Kano on Monday.
She added that the commission will identify all missing persons in the state and determine the circumstances as well as the immediate and remote causes of their disappearance, suggesting a possible way out of the problem.
Justice Yusuf stated that the commission will also find out the causes of political and other forms of violence in Kano State.
The commission would also identify areas where violence associated with the 2015, 2020, and 2023 general elections occurred in Kano State, identify victims of all forms of violence, including politically motivated, state-sponsored, etc., associated with the 2015, 2019 and 2023 general elections, and assess the damage or loss of lives and properties during the period.
She therefore disclosed that “we will suggest ways of supporting the victims of all forms of violence in the state, recommend effective ways of preventing politically motivated and state-sponsored violence and any other forms of violence in the state, and advise on any other matter incidental to the assignment.”
“At this juncture, I would like to invite individuals, groups, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as victims and relatives of victims of political violence and missing persons, to submit memoranda or petitions to the Commission’s registry situated at Miller Road from today,” said Justice Zuwaira.
Justice Yusuf said, “I will also assure the general public that the Commission is there to serve them, that their petitions will be looked into, and where necessary, they will be called upon to give oral evidence.
“I would also like to further assure the people of Kano State that this Commission will discharge its assigned mandates diligently, honestly, fairly, dispassionately, and without fear or ill will.”
She then called on journalists and the media to ensure any report concerning the Commission is done with the utmost professionalism and must be fair and factual.
List of members of the commission:
Hon. Justice Zuwaira Yusuf: Chairperson
Amb. Ibrahim Waiya: Representative of Civil Society Groups
Muhammad Wakili (Rtd): Retired Commissioner of Police
Shu’aibu Sule, Esq
Amina Umar Garba, Esq
Comrade Kabiru Inuwa: Representative of the Organised Labour Union.
Salisu Muhammad Tahir, Esq., Director Public Prosecution/MoJ
Shehu Abdullahi: State Coordinator, National Human Right Commission
AVM. Ibrahim Umaru (Rtd): Director General, Special services
Kabiru Haruna: Representative of Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)
Sa’ida Sa’ad, Esq
Aliyu Sulaiman, State Commandant
Member Representative of Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps
Umar Sa’idu Abdullahi: Representative of Nigerian Police, Kano Command
Mahmoud Bello Bari is Secretary to the Commission and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment.
Ibrahim Khalil
Residents of Tsakuwa community in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State have honoured 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the development of the town.
KANO FOCUS reports that the awards were presented during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Tsakuwa.
Among those honoured were the traditional ruler of the community, Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa; the Chairman of the Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa; and a retired headmaster of Central Primary School, Tsakuwa, Alhaji Mahmuda Shehu, who continues to offer voluntary teaching services to pupils in the community.
Also recognised was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, a Nupe businessman who settled in Tsakuwa and has become an integral part of the community. He was honoured for his significant contributions to the town’s development.
Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe receiving a certificate
Other award recipients included the Chairman of the Northwest Development Commission, Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji (Garkuwan Tsakuwa); the Commander of the Gombe State Hisbah Command, Malam Rabiu Idris; media practitioner Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim of Abubakar Rimi Television Corporation (ARTV); the founder of Tsakuwa Mufarka Sustainable Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Almustapha Sani; and Sulaiman Salisu Babah, among others.
Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan presenting a certificate to Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Speaking at the event, the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, commended the leadership of the association for its commitment to community development and urged members to sustain their efforts toward improving the welfare of residents.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, said the non-partisan organisation had prioritised interventions in education, security, and healthcare.
He appealed to members of the community to sustain their monthly financial contributions to enable the association to continue implementing development projects.
Earlier, a member of the association, Malam Abdullahi Wagadi, disclosed that the group generated ₦6.56 million through members’ monthly contributions over the past year.
According to him, the association spent ₦3.84 million on allowances for volunteer teachers and vigilantes, ₦564,000 on fencing the Eid prayer ground, and ₦1.255 million on the renovation of the community police outpost.
He further stated that ₦356,000 was spent on supporting Tsakuwa Model Primary School, ₦430,000 on scholarships for students, ₦700,000 on instructional materials, and ₦50,000 on health assistance for vulnerable residents.
Association Raises Over ₦2.1 Million at AGM
A major highlight of the AGM was the fundraising session, during which the association raised ₦2.143 million from philanthropists and community stakeholders.
Leading the donations was Alhaji Umar Muhammad Banupe, who contributed ₦500,000. He was followed by Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, who also donated ₦500,000, while Hon. Abdulmumin Tijjani, popularly known as Mai POS, donated ₦200,000.
Other donors included the Sarkin Tsakuwa, Alhaji Isma’ila Santali Tsakuwa, who donated ₦100,000; the association’s chairman, Alhaji Tasiu Alhassan Tsakuwa, ₦200,000; Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji Garkuwan Tsakuwa), ₦100,000; and Malam Rabiu Idris, who also contributed ₦100,000.
The event attracted community leaders, stakeholders, and residents who commended the association for its contributions to grassroots development and pledged continued support for its programmes.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Health journalists in Kano State have inaugurated a new professional body, the Kano Health Journalists Network (KAHJON), aimed at strengthening media reporting and advocacy on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Primary Health Care (PHC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the network was launched during an Alignment, Coordination, Monitoring and Implementation meeting of media coalitions on gender-responsive RMNCAH and PHC, organised by the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) in Kano.
During the inauguration, journalists unanimously elected Khadijah Aliyu of Radio Nigeria as Chairperson of the newly established network.
Other members of the executive committee include Mustapha Hodi Adamu of People Daily Newspaper as Vice Chairperson, Abdullahi Hassan of ARTV as Secretary, and Mustapha Salisu of Prime Times as Public Relations Officer.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Director of ISMPH, Mr. Solomon Dogo, said the establishment of KAHJON would help unify existing health reporting groups and improve media coverage of critical public health issues, including polio eradication, nutrition, maternal health, and primary healthcare services.
He congratulated the newly elected executives and expressed confidence that the network would enhance collaboration among media practitioners while strengthening health advocacy efforts in the state.
Dogo noted that similar health journalists’ networks are already operating in Lagos and Kaduna states, adding that development partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote public health advocacy.
Also speaking, ISMPH Programme Officer in Kano, Hajiya Sabuwa Yahaya, said the platform would improve coordination among journalists, enhance access to health information, and strengthen evidence-based reporting on health issues.
According to her, the network will also provide a stronger platform for advocacy and engagement with government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
The inauguration ceremony attracted goodwill messages from several development partners, including the Integrated Budget and Policy (IBP), LISDEL, CCSI, SANDHEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
Representatives of the Kano State Ministry of Health, the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency, and the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency also attended the event.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formally established the Kano Health Journalists Network and marked the beginning of a new chapter in health journalism and advocacy in the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A House of Representatives aspirant for the Kura/Madobi/Garun Malam Federal Constituency under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Mahmud Tijjani Kura, has withdrawn his candidature and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
KANO FOCUS reports that the development was disclosed on Saturday by a prominent APC chieftain, Alhaji Aliyu Lawan Dambatta, popularly known as Majidadin Dambatta.
According to Majidadin Dambatta, he led a delegation alongside the former aspirant to a meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, during which Kura formally announced his decision to join the APC.
Majidadin Dambatta described the defection as a significant boost to the ruling party, noting that it would further strengthen the APC’s unity and political structure ahead of future elections.
He said the party remained committed to working collectively for the progress and development of Kano State and the country.
The APC stalwart welcomed Kura back into the party and expressed confidence that he would make meaningful contributions to its growth and the welfare of the people.
The defection is expected to add a new dimension to the political landscape in Kano State as parties continue to realign ahead of future electoral contests.
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